Patient leaflet - Furosemide 20 mg tablets
1. What Furosemide Tablets are and what they are used for
Furosemide is a member of a group of medicines called diuretics (also called water tablets). It works by altering the function of the kidneys.They help remove excess water from the body by increasing the amount lost as urine. Furosemide is used to treat oedema (fluid retention) caused by heart failure, and certain liver and kidney disorders blood vessels or high blood pressure problems. It is also used to manage a condition called oliguria, where the body produces an abnormally small amount of urine, due to kidney disease.
2. What you need to know before you take Furosemide Tablets
Do not take Furosemide Tablets if you:
are allergic to furosemide or any of the other ingredients
of this medicine (listed in section 6). Signs of an allergic reaction include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue
are allergic to amiloride, sulfonamides or sulphonamide
derivatives, such as sulfadiazine or cotrimoxazole
have a low blood volume or are dehydrated (with or
without accompanying low blood pressure)
have too little potassium or sodium in your blood (shown
in blood test)
- have severe liver problems (cirrhosis)
have already taken furosemide in the past to treat failure
to pass urine, or kidney failure, or if you have kidney failure that is due to medicines or chemicals that are prone to cause kidney or liver damage, or if you have kidney failure due to underlying liver disorders
are not passing any water (urine) or you have been told
by a doctor that you have kidney failure. In some types of kidney failure it is still ok to have this medicine. Your doctor will be able to decide.
have an illness called Addison’s Disease.
This can make you feel tired and weak or if you are taking
digoxin, used to treat heart problems.
have digitalis poisoning (feeling or being sick, high levels of
potassium in the blood,slow, fast or irregular heart beats)
have a rare condition called porphyria charcterised by
abdominal pain, vomiting or muscle weakness
Take potassium supplements or potassium sparing diuretics
for high blood pressure (e.g. Amiloride or Spironolactone)
are breast-feeding
are planning to undergo a procedure that includes the
use of radiocontrast (as taking furosemide with this may increase the risk for kidney damage).
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking Furosemide Tablets if you:
are elderly, if you are on the other medications which
can cause the drop in the blood pressure and if you have other medical conditions that are risks for the drop of blood pressure
- have low blood pressure or feel dizzy when you stand up
feel dizzy or dehydrated. This can happen if you have
lost a lot of water through being sick, having diarrhoea or passing water very often. It can also happen if you are having trouble in drinking or eating.
have low blood levels of essential minerals like sodium
or potassium or you have acid base imbalance in the body identified by blood tests
- are taking digoxin, used to treat heart problems
- are taking any other water tablets
- are going to have a glucose test
- are going to give this to a baby that was born too early. Take special precaution if you:
have difficulty in passing water, for example because of
an enlarged prostate gland (males only)
- have diabetes
have gout (characterised by painful joints due to elevated
uric acid levels)
- Have adrenal disease
- have kidney or liver problems
have low blood protein levels as this may reduce the
effect of the drug and increase the risk of ear damage
have raised levels of calcium in the blood, careful monitoring
of fluids and electrolyte levels are recommended
have a risk of fall in blood pressure, or in case of
premature infants as they may be more prone to development of kidney stones
are already on medicines like NSAID’s (used for
inflammation and pain) or ACE inhibitors (medicines used to lower blood pressure)
are elderly patient with dementia and are also taking
risperidone
laboratory monitoring- it is recommended to undergo
regular monitoring of blood levels of sodium, potassium, kidney function tests (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels), glucose, magnesium, calcium, chloride, bicarbonate and uric acid
regular monitoring is required to check for occurrence of
blood dyscrasias (abnormal or imbalance in blood components), liver damage or any symptom that may occur particularly to you.
Your doctor may monitor you and may take blood for
testing while you are taking this medicine.
Other medicines and Furosemide Tablets
Do not take this medicine and tell your doctor, if you are taking: medicines which change the amount of potassium in your blood. These include potassium supplements such as potassium chloride or certain water tablets (diuretics) such as triamterene or potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride or spironolactone.
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medications including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Tell your doctor if you are taking the below medicines as
the dose of these may need to be changed to avoid the risk of excessive lowering of blood pressure. Other blood pressure lowering agents (cardiac glyclosides
e.g. digoxin, other diuretics that help you pass more urine; or other blood pressure lowering agents).
If you are taking any drugs that can be harmful to your
kidneys
If you have low levels of potassium or magnesium in
your blood indicated by the blood counts. A large number of drugs can interact with furosemide which can significantly alter their effects. These drugs include:
medicines such as ramipril, enalapril, perindopril (called
'ACE inhibitors') or losartan,candesartan, irbesartan (called 'angiotensin II receptor antagonists') or any renin inhibitors such as aliskiren. Your doctor may need to change the dose of your tablets or ask you to stop taking them
medicines such as tricyclic antidepressants, hypnotics
and anxiolytics (e.g. barbiturates and reboxetine)
medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems
(uneven heart beat) such a calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, clonidine, moxonidine, sodium nitroprusside, amiodarone, disopyramide, flecainide, minoxidil, lidocaine, prazosin, diazoxide, methyldopa, sotalol, tocainide and mexiletine
digoxin used to treat heart failure. Your doctor may
need to change the dose of your medicine.
- thymoxamine or hydralazine used to lower blood pressure
- metolazone-medicine used to pass more urine
- Aliskiren - used to treat high blood pressure
- nitrates-used to lower blood pressure
- lithium-used for mental illness
sucralfate-this drug may decrease the absorption of
furosemide
NSAIDs- drugs used to treat pain and inflammation (e.g.
indomethacin, ketorolac)
- antibiotics such as trimethoprim and cephalosporins
- salicylates (e.g. aspirin)
antibotics belonging to class of aminoglycosides,
polymixins or vancomycin; as there may be at risk of ear or kidney damage
- medicines used to treat depression (e.g. TCA or MAOIs)
medicines used to treat epilepsy (e.g. carbamazepine,
phenytoin)
- anti-histamines (medicines used to treat allergies)
anti-fungals (risk of potassium loss or renal damage
indicated with furosemide)
- chloral hydrate or triclorfos (drugs used to treat anxiety)
drugs used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD) like amphetamine
- Steroids (used to treat inflammation) and any corticosteroids
liquorice; increased risk of loss of potassium with
furosemide
cisplatin-used to treat cancers (increased risk of kidney
damage with furosemide)
- methotrexate increased chance of furosemide toxicity
levodopa-used to treat Parkinson’s disease (increased
risk of lowering blood pressure with furosemide)
medicines that modify immune system (e.g. Aldesleukin,
tacrolimus or ciclosporin)
medicines used as muscle relaxants like baclofen,
tizanidine or curare like drugs)
birth control pills or oestrogen containing drugs may
block the effect of furosemide if taken concurrently
progesterone containing drugs (drosperidone) may lead to
increased blood potassium levels if taken with furosemide
medicines such as alprostadil, used to treat erectile
dysfunction (impotency)
- theophylline used for wheezing or difficulty in breathing
- probenecid used for treatment of gout
- medicines used as general anaesthetics
- laxatives-drugs used to relieve constipation
- aminoglutethimide used to treat breast cancer
medicines for diabetes. These may not work as well
when you are taking Furosemide Tablets.
medicines used for mental problems called 'psychoses'
such as risperidone, amisulpride, sertindole, pimozide, phenothiazine and chlorpromazine. Avoid using primozide at the same time as furosemide.
medicines for asthma when given in high doses such as
salbutamol, terbutaline sulphate, salmeterol, formoterol or bambuterol
other water tablets (diuretics) such as bendroflumethiazide,
your doctor may need to change the doses of your medicine
medicines used as injections before X-ray examinations
(radiocontrast agent)
- Carbenoxolone - used to treat ulceration and inflammation Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advise before taking this medicine. Pregnancy:
Furosemide passes through the placenta and hence should not be given during pregnancy unless doctor feels it extremely necessary. If it is given in cases of swelling or water retention, the growth of the baby must be regularly monitored.
Breast-feeding:
Do not breast-feed if you are taking Furosemide Tablets. This is because small amounts may pass into the mother’s milk and may inhibit secretion of milk.
Furosemide Tablets with food, drink and alcohol
You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Furosemide Tablets as this may lower your blood pressure further. Driving and using machines
Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel less alert, dizzy or have blurred vision after taking Furosemide Tablets Furosemide Tablets contain lactose
If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium
(23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.
3. How to take Furosemide Tablets
Always take Furosemide Tablets exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
For Oral Use Only.
Furosemide Tablets should be swallowed with a drink of water. The recommended dose:
Adults
The usual starting dose is 40mg in the morning; then 20mg a day or 40mg on alternate days. Up to 80mg may be given. If you suffer from chronic kidney trouble, your doctor may prescribe you a starting dose of 250 mg furosemide per day. If necessary, your doctor may increase this to 250 mg every 4 to 6 hours up to a maximum of 1500 mg a day. Elderly: Furosemide is generally cleared from the body more slowly in the elderly. If you are elderly, your doctor may decide to start with a low dose and increase the dose gradually according to your response.
The dose may be reduced in this age group.
Children under 12 years old
The dosage is worked out depending on the child's weight. The doctor will work out a dose based on 1-3 mg for each kilogram of the child's body weight. The dose should not exceed 40 mg per day. A more suitable dosage form e.g. oral solution, may be appropriate.
If you take more Furosemide Tablets than you should
This medicine is to be taken at regular intervals, as determined by the physician. If you take too many tablets by mistake contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell your doctor immediately. Take your tablet pack with you. Taking too many Furosemide Tablets may make you feel confused, unable to focus, show a lack of emotion or interest in anything. You may also have dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting (due to low blood pressure), uneven heartbeat, muscle weakness or cramps and blood clots (signs include pain and swelling at the part of body that is affected). You may also have problems with your kidneys or blood If you forget to take Furosemide Tablets
If you forget to take a dose then take it as soon as you remember. But never take two doses together. Then continue to take, our next dose at the usual time and carry on as before. If you have trouble remembering to take your tablets, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
If you stop taking Furosemide Tablets
Keep taking Furosemide Tablets until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop taking Furosemide Tablets just because you feel better.
If you have any further questions on the use of Furosemide Tablets ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everbody gets them.
If any of the below mentioned side effects are observed please inform your doctor immediately or go to hospital straight away.
allergic reactions such as itching, skin rash with severe
itching and nettle rash, fever, allergic to light, severe allergic reaction with (high) fever, red patches on the skin, joint pain and/or inflammation of the eyes, “acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)” (acute febrile drug eruption) characterised by severe acute (allergic) reaction accompanied by fever and blisters on the skin/peeling skin and tiny spots from bleeding in the skin
sudden inflammation of the pancreas accompanied by
severe pain in the upper abdomen, shifting towards the back
any unexplained bruising or bleeding, fever, sore throat,
mouth ulcers. This could be a sign of low blood counts, agranulocytosis.
- Signs of kidney inflammation e.g. pain in sides, blood in urine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following side effects:
Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people
- blurred vision
lowering of blood pressure, resulting in impaired
concentration and reactions, light-headedness,
a feeling of pressure in the head, headache, dizziness,
drowsiness, a feeling of weakness, visual disturbances, dry mouth and an inability to stand upright, sensitivity to light (photosensitivity)
- feeling of tiredness
dry mouth, thirst, disturbances of bowel like diarrhoea,
constipation or vomiting
- raised blood levels of creatinine and urea
- deafness (sometimes irreversible).
- Irregular heart rate.
Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1000 people
abnormal blood count (white blood cell deficiency)
accompanied by an increased susceptibility to infection
increase in certain substances (eosinophilic cells) in the
blood
a crawling sensation on the skin, itching or tingling
without any reason
- A life-threatening form of unconsciousness
- Acute kidney failure
hearing disorders & ringing in the ears.
These disorders are usually temporary in nature.
inflammation of a blood vessel
- Shock (severe drop in blood pressure, extreme paleness, restlessness, weak fast pulse,clammy skin, impaired consciousness) as a result of a sudden severe dilation of the blood vessels due to allergy to certain substances
- fever
- muscle aches
- inability to control urination
- Increased urine production may occur or worsen if you have a urinary tract infection
- if you have a bladder disorder, enlarged prostate or narrowing of the ureters, urine production can stop suddenly
- minor mental disturbances.
Very rare: may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people
- anaemia (a condition characterised by shortage of red blood cells)
- very severe blood abnormality (white blood cell deficiency) accompanied by a sudden high fever, severe throat pain and ulcers in the mouth.
Not known: Frequency cannot be estimated from the available data
- Certain liver function disorders or increase in certain liver enzymes.
- furosemide can cause an excessive depletion of bodily fluids (e.g. passing urine more often than normal) and minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium). Symptoms that can occur are thirst, headache, confusion, muscle cramps, increased irritability of the muscles, muscular weakness, heart rhythm disturbances and gastrointestinal problems such as sensation of unease and discomfort in stomach with an urge to vomit, or diarrhoea.
- Metabolic acidosis characterized by chest pain, irregular heart beat, headache, vomiting,abdominal pain, altered appetite and weight gain, muscle weakness, bone pain and joint pain
if you have a shortage of sodium (sodium deficiency)
- cramp in the calf muscles
- loss of appetite
- listlessness
- feeling of weakness
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- confusion
if you have a shortage of potassium (potassium deficiency)
- muscular weakness and the inability to contract one or more muscles (paralysis)
- increased excretion of urine
- heart problems
in the case of severe potassium deficiency:
- interference with the function of the intestine or confusion, which can result in coma
if you have a shortage of magnesium and calcium
(magnesium and calcium deficiency)
- increased irritability of the muscles
- heart rhythm disturbances
- during treatment with furosemide, the blood levels of some fats (cholesterol and triglyceride) may rise, but usually return to normal within 6 months
- in the elderly, this can lead to a low blood volume, fluid depletion and thickening of the blood. This can cause clots to form in the blood
- dizziness, fainting and loss of consciousness (caused by symptomatic hypotension)
Additional side effects in children
- Increased risk or persistence of patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants
- Kidney stones in premature babies
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Furosemide Tablets
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Keep in the original packaging.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not store above 25°C.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information What Furosemide Tablets contain:
The active substance in this medicine is called furosemide. The 20 mg tablets contain 20 mg furosemide and the 40mg tablets contain 40 mg furosemide.
The other ingredients are Lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, sodium starch glycolate and maize starch. What Furosemide Tablets look like and contents of the pack:
Furosemide 20mg and 40mg Tablets are white, circular tablets with a break line on one side. Furosemide 20mg Tablets come as 28 tablets in strips or tubes, or 250 tablets in tubes. Furosemide 40mg Tablets come as 28 tablets in strips or tubes, or I000 tablets in tubes.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer:
Relonchem Limited,
Cheshire House, Gorsey Lane, Widnes,
Cheshire, WA8 0RP, UK.
Furosemide 20mg Tablets: PL 20395/0030
Furosemide 40mg Tablets: PL 20395/0031
This leaflet was last revised in June 2026.
Blind or partially sighted?
Is this leaflet hard to see or read? Please contact the license holder at the above address to obtain the leaflet in a format suitable for you.
180 mm
180 mm
1.4
VERSION XXXXX DATE 25.06.2026
NO. OF COLORS 01
PRODUCT NAME
Furosemide Tablets
██ Black
PRODUCT LICENCE NO.
20395-0030-0031
██ Dieline
Pil
COUNTRY
UK (English)
180 x 400 mm
MANUFACTURER
Gpax
STRENGTH
20 mg/ 40 mg
SOFTWARE
Adobe illustrator CC
PACK SIZE
-
ARTIST
Gurukiran
FONT & SIZE
Humanst521 BT (14.71 pt, 9 pt)
REMARKS
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REASON FOR CHANGE
Comments received from Channaya on 25.06.2026.